Each year, tens of thousands of refugees fleeing violence and persecution resettle in the United States, including the Bay Area. Resettlement means a fresh start and opportunity, especially for adolescent girls whose futures had been limited by a lack of access to education and opportunities and restrictive ideas about  women. Here. these girls have the chance to improve themselves, their families, and their communities. The Vision Project aims to empower refugee girls and change perceptions within their communities by providing girls with the skills and support they need to envision a positive future, and ultimately achieve their goals. The project runs three week-long workshops each year with resettled refugee girls, and each week culminates in a personal photoshoot for each girl where they embody their future selves. 

New Roots focuses on food security, food access and agriculture in the refugee community. New Roots is a national program and is located in 12 different cities. In Dallas, we have partnered with 8 different community gardens to provide growing space for our clients. We hope you enjoy this video created by GenR member, Jigna Vora.

An instructor at a non-profit that teaches skateboarding to children, Belqisa’s dreams of pro competition were put on hold when she had to escape Afghanistan. Now she’s seizing a chance for a new start.

Local refugee youth will attend UC Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.

Due to the lack of available, affordable housing, the IRC is working with the community to identify temporary housing alternatives for newly-arriving Afghan refugees and their families.

Be A Force For Change in Baltimore

Meet some of the inspiring women contributing to the IRC in Northern California, from our volunteers and staff to the resilient newcomers we welcome.

At the National Advocacy Days Refugee Council Conference, the IRC in NY’s very own Luis Mejia’s served as the New York’s Refugee Congress Delegate (RCD). Luis is the IRC in NY’s Workforce Development Specialist/Acting Interim Economic Empowerment Manager. He was thrilled to be voted for the RCD position.